ankle holster help

Status
Not open for further replies.
G

goalkeeper91

Member
Joined
May 25, 2004
Messages
22
Location
Ohio
I'm seriously considering an ankle holster for my Smith 649. I realize the problems and limitations with these holsters, but it is intended as a back-up holster, not a primary means of carrying. It is also for use "around the office" where I can carry, so long as the weapon is concealed. And, it's too hot to wear a suitcoat around here all of the time.

My only requirements for the holster are that it be comfortable, work with the Bodyguard revolvers, and not cost a fortune. I saw a Bianchi at a local gunshop listed at $95, which seems pretty high when were' talking about an open topped holster stitched to an ankle band. Any suggestions?

As an aside, I use Bianchi speed strips for reloads for the .38, but haven't seen them at a gun shop in a long time. Are they still being made? Anyone know of a source?
 
Comfort is key to an ankle holster -- and the cheap ones are NOT comfortable. I can't recommend a particular brand, but padding and a secure fit to your leg are most important.
 
My friend, there is only one, period. It's made by Lou Allesi.

I tried almost a dozen others for my SP101 which cost me 3 times what the gun did. (and the SP101 weighs a lot more than your smith BTW)before I found the Allesi. It cost me about 110 IIRC.

I've worn it daily now for a little over 3 years for around 12 hours per day, 0 complaints . Extremely comfortable, and the gun won't come out unless you want it to. I think the place I ordered it through was called RFI Distributors out of New York.

Do it once, do it right, and don't look back.
 
I have one from Mitch Rosen that is good. It has an elastic band that secures the handgun and gives way when you draw.

I have been using one that I got from Galco (the few times when I use an ankle rather than IWB due to situations like yours) because it has a strap that wraps around upper calf, under knee, and holds the holster up and makes it feel more secure.
 
I have an Alessi (bought used) for a j-frame (steel Model 60). It is very well-contructed (Lou Alessi's leather craftsmanship is unquestionable). I agree with Ben that the Alessi is also very secure. However, I find it a little bulky, and the metal collar for the fastening strap has become uncomfortable after a few hours. It may just be that this design isn't good for my "substantial" calves.

I also have a Renegade ankle holster for my Colt Pocket 9. I have worn it frequently for over two years. The holster body is leather, with an elastic leather strap and fleece pad. It is very secure, not prone to shifting, and comfortable after 10-12 hours of walking and general activity. Costs $50-60, if I recall.
 
I use a Galco ankle holster. It's comfortable and very secure. No problem with it coming undone on me when I'm moving and I don't find it too be binding or constricting. I've found it to be a big improvement over my old one.
 
I've got a cheap Uncle Mike's for a Titanium snubby. It's fairly comfy, but the calf strap can dig in quickly if you don't get the elastic & velcro on just right.

It doesn't hurt that the retention strap and the calf support are removeable and adjustable.

Would I recommend this holster for all day carry? No.
Would I recommend this holster for use a few hours at a time, up to most of a day? Yes.
 
Ben Shepherd said....
My friend, there is only one, period. It's made by Lou Allesi....

Do it once, do it right, and don't look back.


I couldn’t agree more!!
 
Galco makes two ankle holsters. The better one is the Ankle Glove. I have one for a Taurus 85 snubbie and one for a Glock 26. Both work fine, very comfortable and conceal well. Dark colored pants work best, and naturally you need loose-legged pants. Make sure you get them long enough, as well.

I had an Alessi for the 26. It was a very high quality holster, but didn't really fit my skinny legs very well and was very bulky. It rode low. I think it is really designed more for cops and others who don't really have to worry about concealment all that much. As I said, it was well-made and nice to look out, but just didn't work for me. Nothing against Alessi, who makes good products.
 
I wear a 640-1 in a Galco ankle holster on duty. This rig has been rock solid through multiple footchases and more fence-hopping than I care to think about. It is very comfortable and well constructed. It gets worn at least 5 days a week for 8 hours at a time. It works.

My original plan was to replace it with an Alessi when it wore out. Its been 6 years now and I'm still waiting.

Mike
 
I have a Bianchi Triad ankle holster I use to carry a Smith model 36. It's pretty comfortable, and quite supportive without a band that goes over the calf. Especially when you consider the weight of a loaded steel J frame. It cost me $40 online.

I use it to carry a BUG, although I have gone out with just the ankle rig. I was surprised at two things: One is how slow a draw from an ankle holster really is. The other is the Triad holster uses a rubber-band like retention strap that I thought was sure to get in the way, but once you release it, the strap flies out of the way. Good stuff.

4750_m.jpg
 
SADshooter--

If you need more strap because of calf size give a call to Lou as he can rework the strap for you. You can reach Lou at 716-691-5615.
 
I have DeSantis for my 642. Comfortable enough and has good rentention. For both holster to leg and weapon in holster.
 
Galco Ankle Glove

GALCO ANKLE GLOVE:
Wear it for 10 hour shifts, and forget it is there by the end of the night.

I also just started trying out the Ankle Pocket on my other leg, carrying extra magazines. It is also comfortable for that purpose.
 
I use a PASSPORT fabric holster for my Colt Mustang .380. It's inexpensive and works fine for me. I added a bit of memory foam between it and my ankle and it is super comfortable. There is even room for an extra mag or two that can be tucked inside.

Shhhh, don't tell anyone (!) but go to temper-pedic web's site and get the free information package. It includes a piece of memory foam that was the right size for my holster.

Alan
 
Yes I dug this thread out of the archives;)

I have a Kahr PM9. Any suggestions on a comfortable and well made ankle rig?
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

H
  • Locked
Ankle holster
Replies
14
Views
1K
GRIZ22
G
M
Triple K brand Ankle holster any good?
Replies
4
Views
267
megatronrules
M
C
  • Locked
Ankle Holster for Secondary Weapon - Please help?
Replies
15
Views
815
9mmepiphany
9mmepiphany
M
  • Locked
Ankle Holster First Impression
Replies
12
Views
762
orionengnr
O
Styx
Ankle Holsters
Replies
20
Views
464
trackskippy
trackskippy
Back
Top